Bedlington Terrier

Name: Bedlington Terrier
Official name: Bedlington Terrier
FCI Number: 9

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed of dog originally from England, named after the town of Bedlington in the county of Northumberland. This terrier is known for its distinctive shepherd-like appearance and elegant body shape. Its coat is soft and wavy, and is often silvery, blue, or liver with white. Bedlington Terriers are intelligent, energetic and have a strong hunting instinct, making them well-balanced family companions as well as capable hunting dogs. They are active, but also love the comforts of home and are devoted to their owner.

The nature of the Bedlington Terrier breed

The Bedlington Terrier is known for its balanced nature that combines liveliness and elegance. These dogs are intelligent, courageous and loving at the same time, making them great companions for families. They have a strong hunting instinct and love to engage in a variety of activities, but are also able to adapt to a quiet home life. Bedlington Terriers are loyal and devoted to their owner, get along well with children and are friendly with friends and strangers. Their natural alertness makes them good watchdogs. Their intelligence makes them good learners in training, but they can be stubborn at times, requiring patience and consistency in their upbringing.

The height of the Bedlington Terrier breed

The Bedlington Terrier usually measures between 38 and 43 centimetres at the withers. They are medium-sized dogs with a sleek and compact body that allows them to be agile and active while maintaining their distinctive silhouette.

The coat of the Bedlington Terrier breed

The coat of the Bedlington Terrier is characteristically soft, wavy to curly. Their coat tends to be silvery, blue, or liver with white markings. This coat requires regular maintenance, including combing and clipping, to keep it in good condition and maintain their characteristic appearance.

Bedlington Terrier coat colour

Bedlington Terriers typically have a coat of silver, blue, or liver with white markings.

History of the Bedlington Terrier breed

The Bedlington Terrier is a breed native to England, where it developed in the 19th century in the area around the town of Bedlington in the county of Northumberland. It was originally bred as a hunting dog to hunt small game such as rabbits and moles, due to its quick and agile movement. Bedlington Terriers were also used as watchdogs and as participants in dog races. Their ancestors included various terriers and welsh terriers. Over time, Bedlington Terriers became popular pets and are now valued for their intelligence, friendly nature and distinctive appearance.

Advantages - why get a Bedlington Terrier

This breed is intelligent and teachable, which makes training easy and makes the Bedlington a versatile dog for a variety of dog sports and activities. Its hypoallergenic coat, which resembles sheep's wool, is beneficial for people with allergies and requires less grooming compared to other breeds with similar coats. Bedlingtons have a calm and friendly nature, and are loyal and affectionate with their family, making them excellent family dogs. In addition, these dogs are very adaptable, coping with both active and quieter lifestyles, making them suitable for different types of households.

Disadvantages - why not get a Bedlington Terrier

This breed requires regular coat maintenance, including brushing and clipping, which can be time consuming. Despite their calm nature, Bedlingtons are energetic dogs that need plenty of physical activity and stimulation, which can be a challenge for owners with less active lifestyles. Their hunting instinct and tendency to chase smaller animals require thorough socialization and training.